Israel freezes Palestine tax funds over ICC bid

(VOVworld) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to delay the transfer of monthly tax revenues to the Palestinians in retaliation for their application to join the International Criminal Court, Israeli officials said Saturday. The Haaretz daily said the amount of 127 million USD involves VAT and customs duties on goods for the Palestinian territories that pass through Israel. The December total was scheduled to be transferred on January 2nd. The tax revenues that Israel collects on behalf of Palestine make up two-thirds of the Palestinian Authority's annual budget which is allocated to the government operation and payment for public servants.

Israel freezes Palestine tax funds over ICC bid - ảnh 1
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the Palestinians decision to join the ICC.
(Photo: BBC)

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat condemned the Israeli measure, calling it a "new war crime". He added that Israel will respond with further collective punishments.

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